Now that we’re well into May, we’re almost at the halfway point of the year. And as the months keep rolling on by, faster and faster, more and more new restaurants open up in London. But which new openings do you absolutely need to check out this May? Well, that’s where I come in…
As part of my job writing for Secret London, I’ve been keeping an eye out for the city’s most anticipated and exciting new openings. So, if you only want the best and the newest places to dine, check out these new spots in the capital.
The new British tavern
A powerhouse team of culinary talent has opened up a brand new British bistro that’s set to be one of London’s most exciting new spots to dine. With talent from the team behind Nest (which the new venue takes over the site of) and Michelin-starred St Barts, Tavern combines old-school pub charm with British bistro-style food.
So, what to expect? Tankards of beer, glasses of natural wine, nostalgic snacks, and fire-cooked dishes that nod at British dining history. Dishes will include the likes of hogget scrumpets with mint, or the Tavern sausage served with curry sauce (a la your favourite chip shop), as well as Welsh Wagyu rib of beef, the crispy veal sweetbread burger, and more.
Open now.
Aktar Islam, the chef behind the two Michelin-starred Opheem in Birmingham, has just opened his first-ever London restaurant. The impressive site spans 3 floors and draws inspiration from royal feasts and palaces. In particular, Oudh 1722 focuses on Awadhi cuisine, which is rarely seen in London. The cuisine originated in Lucknow, which has “long [been] regarded as one of India’s great culinary centres and [was] recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy.”
Open now.
The luxe new Japanese dining and drinking den
What do you do when you’ve opened everything from fun-filled Mexican-fusion eateries to opulent, subterranean bars and indulgent Italian restaurants? Well, you combine them all and open up a luxurious Japanese dining and drinking den. MA/NA is a brand new spot from the team behind Los Mochis, Viajante87, and Sale e Pepe. Head on down to experience “a journey from refined, ingredient-led dining into an intimate late-night cocktail bar, as the energy of the space evolves throughout the evening.”
Open now.
The supper club turned Brixton dining destination
There’s something truly impressive about a supper club or a roving restaurant that moves from sell-out event to sell-out pop-up, but finally finds a permanent home. It means they’ve put in the work, and you know the food is going to be incredible. Such is the case with All Roads, which Malika Green and Paschelle Brown have opened after 3 years of sold-out supper clubs.
Even beyond their supper clubs, the two boast a decade of culinary experience across the likes of Lai Rai, Patty & Bun, Daddy Bao and Soho House. Expect British, European, and Southern American influences driven by the couple’s Caribbean heritage.
Open now.
The hype new brunch and bagels spot
From a mobile van in Herefordshire to the leafy suburbs of London, Brad & Dills might not have the usual journey for a hype new opening in London, but they’ve already established a reputation for brilliant bagels. At their first London site, The Hill, diners can enjoy the bagels (obviously) as well as their signature ‘BAD’ coffee, and an all-new brunch menu
Open now.
The cult pizzeria goes super-size
Dough Hands has established a solid reputation amongst London’s pizza-loving denizens for its blistered, ultra-flavourful pies. Until recently, they were slinging pizzas out to drinkers north and south of the river, at Hackney’s Spurstowe Arms and The Old Nun’s Head in Peckham. Having since departed the Peckham pub kitchen, they’re now turning their eye to enormous New York slice-shop size pizzas (which you can also order by the slice), at All My Friends in Hackney Wick.
Visitors can expect the exciting flavour combos and tangy sauce that have made Dough Hands the talk of the pizza-eating town, as well as all-new toppings and combos.
Opens May 7.
The Greek Cypriot taverna
May is the month for powerhouse talent combinations, and new taverna Zylia is no exception. Combining the talents of Nick Molyviatis (Singburi, Kiln, Oma/Agora) and Barry Karacostas (Arcade London), the new spot is part of, but also separate from, the new Arcade food hall in Covent Garden.
The food will blend the traditions and memories from Nick’s upbringing in Athens and Barry’s Cypriot heritage. Dishes will range from sheftalia (grilled pork parcels with oregano and lemon) to traditional pork & chicken souvlaki, whole grilled fish, lamb kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb with wine, garlic, and bay), and more.
Opens May 22.
The spot with top-notch seafood
For the best seafood in the city, you go right to the suppliers themselves, right? So, how about a restaurant from the suppliers who provide seafood to the city’s top restaurants? That’s exactly what The Sea, The Sea is. The new bistro, fish shop and terrace will open on Chelsea’s Pavilion Road, courtesy of Alex Hunter.
Opens May 29.
